Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Gene Hackman, was dedicated to extending the life of the legendary actor, aged 95, by making sure he adhered to a rigorous diet, as stated by a friend of the couple.

The couple, who were married since 1991, tragically passed away alongside their pet dog at their residence in Santa Fe, NM, this week. Authorities have indicated that no foul play is suspected in their deaths.

A cause of death has not been revealed, and an investigation is ongoing.

Leading up to his passing, the two-time Academy Award winner, who retired from acting in 2004, followed a strict dietary regimen orchestrated by his wife, according to Doug Lanham, a close friend and former business associate of Hackman, as reported by TMZ.

Lanham said that Arakawa — a classical pianist — closely monitored the “French Connection” star’s eating habits.

The legendary Hollywood actor would allegedly try to “sneak a cheat meal” whenever he hung out with Lanham, with whom he previously co-owned a popular Santa Fe-based restaurant.

The duo joined forces and became co-owners of the Jinja Bar & Bistro in the area before finally selling their stakes in 2018.

Visiting the restaurant was a sure-fire way to run into the “Unforgiven” actor, as he frequented the eatery for many years after stepping away from the spotlight.

Arakawa, 63, made sure that Hackman didn’t stray from healthy options on the menu, Lanham says, as she often had him order meals like “the halibut or rice-paper salmon.”

Recalling their time together, Lanham said Hackman would often pick up the tab for patrons visiting their restaurant.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their home

It comes as the actor’s youngest daughter, Leslie Anne Hackman, 58, said he was “in very good physical condition” in the months leading up to his death.

The actor enjoyed a storied, four-decade career in Hollywood, starring in a diverse array of popular films such as “Hoosiers,” “The Poseidon Adventure,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The Birdcage” and in the “Superman” series as Lex Luthor.

He won two Oscars: Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for “Unforgiven” and Best Actor in 1972 for “The French Connection.”

In addition to Leslie, Hackman is survived by his two other children, Christopher and Elizabeth Jean, whom he shared with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese, who died in 2017.